Frauds & Scams

Does It Sound Too Good To Be True?

March 9, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: June 30, 2021

woman looking at computer Have you heard the expression, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”?  That is a good rule of thumb to spot a scam. Educating yourself is the best defense against fraud, identity theft, and scams. National Consumer Protection Week, sponsored by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), takes place March 5 to 11, 2017. It’s the perfect time to learn about and share ways to make informed choices and protect yourself. To learn more or to get involved, visit the FTC website.

Social Security strives to provide world-class service. One element of superior service is to share information about scams concerning Social Security that are currently circulating.

A current email scam invites people to take advantage of “a little known Social Security contract” which enables you to receive “little known benefits.” Think that sounds too good to be true? It should — there is no “little known Social Security contract.”

What are some clues that scams might not be legitimate? They insist that the situation is urgent and issue warnings. They try to convince you to act now to avoid a dire consequence. They promise a deal or secret that the public doesn’t know about. They come from organizations unknown to you. They offer things the government doesn’t want you to know, but they don’t come from a .gov website.

The FTC’s website maintains a list of scams in the news. You can sign up to be notified by email when new scams surface. You can also get free consumer education materials and read the latest from consumer protection experts. Stay well informed by visiting the FTC scam alert page.

Social Security takes scams and fraud seriously. It’s in your best interest to find out about scams and how they work so you won’t fall victim to one yourself. Protect yourself by learning how to avoid scams and fraud. You can search for “identity theft” or “phishing scam” on our website to learn more about how to protect yourself. Then you’ll be the one who knew it sounded too good to be true. We help secure your today and tomorrow by providing you valuable information to guard against fraud. You can learn more about the ways we fight fraud at ssa.gov/fraud.

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Comments

  1. Sherri

    I ordered a tv from internet paid with direct express card. Payment went through PayPal. I never received tv. Seller can’t be found by me or PayPal.

  2. website m.

    An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a co-worker who has been doing a little homework on this. And he actually ordered me lunch simply because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to discuss this issue here on your website.

    https://www.facebook.com/KateKowalskyWebMarketing/posts/2161063043920718

  3. Rita C.

    I got a call a few weeks back saying the Gov. Just released some funds that allowed us to get back braces/ knee braces etc. After a long speech I said I needed a back brace and knee. A doctor was suppose to call me the next day. I was praying this was no scam! I heard from no doctor nor did I get my braces. I hope this was no scam, but maybe you can tell me? Thanks, Rita

    • Ann C.

      Thanks for checking in with us, Rita. Keep in mind we do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.

  4. Derek R.

    Exceptionally timely and comprehensive support to our folks. Hope many will heed these different ways of how we could be scammed

  5. Malinda

    The outer loop goes back behind the balls when you wear the
    cock ring. It’s also extremely stretchy, but to the point
    that it’s almost ineffective.

  6. Lavonia R.

    I need some help and i have read and heard that you could get more social security if you would ask for it. i don’t know how to go about it or who to ask.
    I just barely make it on the amount i get and it sure would help if i could get a little more. It may be something like a bonus or something.

    • Ray F.

      Hello Lavonia. The Supplemental Security Income Benefits(SSI) gives cash assistance to people with limited income and resources who are age 65 or older, blind or disabled. Children with disabilities can get SSI, too.
      If you have low income and limited resources, you may be able to receive SSI benefits in addition to your current Social Security benefits. To find out if you are eligible for SSI benefits, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office directly.
      We hope this information helps.

  7. Genevieve W.

    How do I sign up?????????? All this is confusing and none of it is very informative!!!!!!!

  8. William B.

  9. Sybil

    ___123___Does It Sound Too Good To Be True? | Social Security Matterss___123___

  10. Lou-lou

    ___123___Does It Sound Too Good To Be True? | Social Security Matterss___123___

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